An defense official has revealed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made cars, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all cars.
Security Guidance for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired appearance on a radio station, Luke Pollard addressed reports that Ministry of Defence officials have been told not to discuss classified information while riding in China-made vehicles.
The minister stated that the MoD is “investigating” cars from China within its fleets, but noted that safety is a concern in every modern vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a car from another country, what we’ve asked our staff is not to plug Ministry of Defence technology into their vehicle, not to have conversations at a classified level in any car, because of the increasing risks of surveillance that exist in all automobile, to restrict those secret conversations in protected areas. This is a prudent and sensible thing for anyone concerned about security.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the MoD to cease using every cars from China, Pollard responded: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Defence Context
This announcement follows claims from Norway and Denmark have warned the UK to the existence of multi-purpose shutdown mechanisms in Chinese electric buses, which could enable the Chinese government to disable buses and bring chaos to transport systems.
Additionally, a Russian intelligence vessel has been directing lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “highly dangerous” action by government representatives.
This broader security environment underscores the importance of strong measures and vigilance in every areas of government activities, from vehicle use to communication practices.
